Page 133 - agnes-grey

for making your peace with Mr. Murray, for I never see
him—to speak to.’
‘Don’t you; it can’t be helped then,’ replied he, in dolor-
ous resignation: then, with a peculiar half-smile, he added,
‘But never mind; I imagine the squire has more to apologise
for than I;’ and left the cottage.
I went on with my sewing as long as I could see, and then
bade Nancy good-evening; checking her too lively gratitude
by the undeniable assurance that I had only done for her
what she would have done for me, if she had been in my
place and I in hers. I hastened back to Horton Lodge, where,
having entered the schoolroom, I found the tea-table all in
confusion, the tray flooded with slops, and Miss Matilda in
a most ferocious humour.
‘Miss Grey, whatever have you been about? I’ve had tea
half an hour ago, and had to make it myself, and drink it all
alone! I wish you would come in sooner!’
‘I’ve been to see Nancy Brown. I thought you would not
be back from your ride.’
‘How could I ride in the rain, I should like to know. That
damned pelting shower was vexatious enough—coming on
when I was just in full swing: and then to come and find
nobody in to tea! and you know I can’t make the tea as I
like it.’
‘I didn’t think of the shower,’ replied I (and, indeed,
the thought of its driving her home had never entered my
head).
‘No, of course; you were under shelter yourself, and you
never thought of other people.’

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